Exercise 'should be prescribed' post-stroke

26/05/2014

People who have had a stroke should be prescribed a programme of exercise to aid their recovery and boost the rehabilitation process, according to a recommendation from the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association.

Writing in the journal Stroke, their statement said physical activity can be hugely beneficial for survivors in reducing disability and preventing further episodes. In addition, it could also improve their mental health, particularly for people who may be at higher risk of fatigue or depression.

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However, the statement also pointed out that exercise is underused by healthcare professionals, with many survivors leading inactive lifestyles after having a stroke and being advised to rest for too long.

Lead author Sandra A Billinger said stroke patients need help to develop the skills and confidence necessary to start and maintain an exercise programme.

'These patients may not know how or cannot afford to take advantage of exercise programmes in their communities, or they can't drive to an exercise facility, or they might not feel comfortable going to a gym,' she pointed out.

It is recommended that stroke survivors should exercise three times a week for at least 20 minutes, but this may depend on the functional capacity of the individual. Indeed, shorter bursts may be more beneficial and better tolerated.

Ms Billinger recommended that doctors should start advising patients that a walk around their neighbourhood or doing a few household tasks could add up over the course of a week and make a real difference to their stroke recovery.

Last December, a study at the First Affiliated Hospital within Sun Yat-sen University in China found that giving stroke patients access to interactive computer games such as the Kinect could boost their rehabilitation.

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